About Fortified Wines from USA

About Fortified Wines from USA
The United States is one of the most important players in the wine industry. On sheer numbers alone, the US is the fourth largest country in terms of total production; but it is the outstanding quality of wines from the US that is an additional part of its worldwide prestige. While the first wines produced in the colonies date back to the late 18th century, it has only been since the mid-1960s that the US has entered the premium wine market on a large scale. California, especially Napa Valley and Sonoma County were the areas that drove the new quality movement. Other areas in California also were home to great wines; soon Washington and Oregon were home to first-class wines as well. New York State, especially the Finger Lakes are was rediscovered for its Rieslings and soon wineries started opening in states such as Texas, Virginia and North Carolina. Today, 90% of domestic premium wine is produced in California and there are several wine types that share the spotlight; these include Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, Pinot Noir from Sonoma's Russian River Valley as well as Santa Barbara County and Chardonnay from several regions, such as Monterey and Sonoma County. Bordeaux-styles reds from Washington State have received great acclaim as have Oregon Pinot Noirs. Today, the United States is in an enviable position of being one of the largest producers of wine as well as one of the most celebrated.

Top Picks for USA

Fortified Wines

Weis Vineyards NV One Eighty Three Dessert Wine Finger Lakes
97 points
$39
A remarkably rich, delicious, and warming American fortified wine with Old World nuances that add complexity and delight; definitely a benchmark for domestic port style wine that tastes like a true vintage port.
Awards: 2023 New York Wine Classic - Best Fortified (Port-Like)
Johnson Estate NV Old Oak Ruby Estate Grown Bourbon Barrel Aged Dessert Wine Lake Erie
92 points
$18
Best Buy
A spicy and distinctive domestic port with lovely layers of bourbon barrel notes.
92 points $18 Best Buy
Pedroncelli 2012 Four Grapes Vintage Port Dry Creek Valley
91 points
$45
Dried fruits highlight this Port style wine that lingers with acidity and candied nuts; this would be an asset to any cheese board.
White Pine 2021 Mirage Reserve Sweet Red Dessert Wine Lake Michigan Shore
90 points
$19
A high quality domestic Port that will make any end of the evening a delight.
Awards: '2024 Michigan Governor's Cup - Best Fortified Wine'
Quady 2006 Starboard Dessert Wine California
88 points
$33
A very fun take on classic Port out of California; a touch lighter than its Portuguese brethren but delicious.
Apple Barn Winery NV Blackberry Dessert American
87 points
$28
Nice texture and complexity of fruit make this blackberry fortified wine a great choice for a range of desserts and cheeses, on its own, or in a cocktail.
Apple Barn Winery NV Apple Pie Dessert American
86 points
$28
Pommeau for after dinner, with cheese or in a cocktail spiking a pumpkin spice latte.
Wild Sun Winery NV 4th Release Icarus Tawny Dessert Wine Missouri
86 points
$75
An interesting flavor that is sweet, rich, and nutty.
Sobon Estate 2020 Port Zinfandel
86 points
$17
An interesting pairing with candied smoked duck in plum sauce.
Quady 2020 Essensia Orange Muscat
86 points
$24
Sugar and waves of floral orange; a good option for a dessert cheese board.